This Step of the 12 Steps of AA is at once self-serving and selfless.

For yourself, there are few things that you can do that can better serve your own sobriety then by working with others who are still struggling. Being of service to others has several benefits:

• It reminds you of where you once were and where you no longer want to be.

• It helps hold you accountable.

• It gives you a sense of purpose.

• It keeps you from becoming complacent in your recovery.

• It enhances your fellowship with others.

But on the other hand, it allows you to be of benefit to other struggling alcoholics/addicts:

• Sometimes, a still-suffering person will trust you above others, because you understand what they are going through.

• You have insights that may allow you to help when no one else can.

• When you share your story, others may be inspired by your successful ongoing recovery to the point that they are finally able to regain their own sobriety.

The terms spiritual experience and spiritual awakening are used many times in the recovery program which, upon careful look, shows that the personality change sufficient to bring about recovery from alcoholism has manifested itself among us in many different forms. Certain things that a spiritual awakenings have in common include:

• You will be able to see and feel things you could never see and feel before.

• You will know things you have never known before.

• You will be able to do things you could never do before.

Most emphatically I wish to say that any alcoholic/addict capable of honestly facing his problems can recover, provided he does not close his mind to all spiritual concepts. He can only be defeated by an attitude of intolerance or belligerent denial. No one need have difficulty with the spirituality of the program. Willingness, honesty and open-mindedness are the essentials of recovery. But these are indispensable.

WE TRIED TO CARRY THIS MESSAGE FORWARD

Many of us recall the first time we heard the words, “you never have to use again if you don’t want to” for many of us, hearing this message was shocking. We were surprised to find out just how much truth that statement held of course, we thought using drugs ceased to be a choice for me a long time ago.

Someone carried it to us. Some of us had the experience of believing that we could stay clean in NA, but when it came to recovery, that seemed beyond us. The only real message you are qualified to give is that you have had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps. You can help alcoholics and addicts when no one else can. You are an expert of the disease you are recovering from and now you have a strong message of hope to carry.

Suggestions that maybe helpful in carrying the message forward:

• If at all possible, go with someone else. It can be dangerous to go alone if you are unsure about your own sobriety.

• Do not talk to someone who doesn’t want help. Remember the message is given through attraction, not promotion.

• Tell your story in a simple straightforward way.

a). What it was like(your drinking or using History)?

b). What happened(hitting rock-bottom and later experiencing a spiritual awakening)?

c). What it’s like now(how your life is different clean and sober)?

• Do not condemn, preach or show intolerance, this doesn’t help anyone. Everyone must eventually decide for him/herself.

The day we began to believe that this program could do more for us than just help us stay clean was a time we remember as a turning point in recovery. Some of us have the experience of staying clean for a long time and finding joy in recovery. Then we experience a tragedy.

• Breaking of a long – term committed relationship or the death of a loved one.

• The relapse and death of someone who was a friend in AA.

• May be it’s that we find ourselves destitute. Sponsoring other addicts brings to life the therapeutic value of one addict helping another. • What king of service work am I doing to carry the message?

There are probably at least as many ways to carry the message as there are recovering addicts.

TO ADDICTS

Why does the twelve step specify that we carry the message to addicts?

Why did NA work for us when nothing else had?

Almost every one of us had someone – a teacher, a counselor, a family member, a police officer – tell us that using drugs was killing and destroying all we cared about. Practicing these principles in all our affairs When we talk about practicing the principles of recovery in all our affairs, the key word is “practice”. The spiritual benefits we derive from working this step depend on our effort, not our success. For instance, we try to practice the principle of compassion in every situation in our lives.

All we have to do is continue to carry the message – without conditions. Our sponsor can help us learn how to be compassionate without giving the impression that we think relapsing is okay. We can pray and meditate asking our higher power to help us be compassionate. We need to remember to practice spiritual principles in any meeting, whether service or recovery. Service gives us many opportunities to practice spiritual principles.

Knowing which spiritual principle to practice in any given situation is difficult, but it is usually the opposite of the character defect we would normally be acting out on. For instance, if we feel compelled to exert absolute control over a situation, we can practice the principle of trust. If we would usually be self- righteous in a certain situation, we can practice the principle of humility.

• How can I practice principles in the different areas of my life?

• When do I find it difficult to practice principles?

• Which spiritual principle do I have a particularly hard time practicing?

SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES

Even in the step that asks us to practice spiritual principles, there are specific principles connected to the step itself. We will focus on unconditional love, selflessness, and steadfastness.

Practicing the principles of unconditional love in the 12 step is essential. Nobody needs love without conditions more than a suffering addict.

• We don’t ask anything of the people to whom we are trying to carry the message.

• We don’t ask for money.

• We don’t ask for gratitude.

• We don’t even ask that they stay clean.

We simply extend ourselves. Sometimes the best way of loving and helping is to stop enabling someone else to use.

Why do we carry the message?

• We carry message to help others, to help them find freedom from their addiction and grow as individuals.

• It is a great paradox that selfless service becomes an expression of our deepest selves. We have uncovered a self that cares more about allowing a Higher Power to work through us than it cares about recognition and glory.

• Practicing the principle of steadfastness means we need to keep on trying to do our best.

• Steadfastness keeps a bad morning or a bad day from turning into a pattern that can lead to our relapse.

It is important to understand that addiction is incurable and lifelong. Recovery requires vigilance and work, one day at a time, for the rest of your life. You’ll find yourself repeating the 12 Steps of AA over and over again as a means of safeguarding your sobriety.

NOTE: The 12 Steps of AA are not a cure for your addiction – they are guiding principles is that allow you to restore sobriety, sanity, and serenity to your life.